Dean Helsel

Firefighter/EMT Dean Helsel has been with the Seaford Fire Department since January 2025, where he serves on B Shift. With an extensive background in fire and emergency medical services, Dean holds certifications in Firefighter I & II, Officer I, II, & III, Fire Instructor I & II, Hazmat Operations, Blue Card Incident Command, and various other specialized training from the National Fire Academy. Additionally, Dean has been in the fire service since 2000 and has been a certified EMT since 2013.

In addition to his full-time role at Seaford Fire Department, Dean is a volunteer and Life Member of the Harrington Fire Company, where he previously served as the Assistant Chief of Training. His commitment to specialized rescue operations is evident in his current position as a Rescue Squad Officer and Swift Water Rescue Technician with the Kent County Water Rescue Team.

Dean also contributes to the professional development of future firefighters as an instructor at the Delaware State Fire School. In his teaching capacity, he instructs courses on topics such as Self-Survival Skills, Reading Smoke, Basement Fires, the Statewide Mayday Procedure, and various other fire service training programs.

Outside of his career, Dean enjoys spending time with his family, often at the camper or on the beach, where he enjoys surf fishing. His passion for both his professional responsibilities and personal time makes him a well-rounded and dedicated individual both on and off duty.